RCPS Community Partner Cafe

Beyond Academics: A Comprehensive Approach to Student Behavior Support

How can schools create a safe, supportive environment where every student feels seen and valued? Host Katie LaPira welcomes Liza Coffman, Director of Student Support Services for Rockingham County Schools, to discuss how RCPS supports students' behavioral and emotional needs. Katie and Liza explore RCPS’s three-tiered system for student support. Liza explains her role in overseeing the programs that focus on behavior support and crisis prevention and walks us through the responsibilities of key staff members who help provide those supports.
 
Tune in to hear how RCPS staff, families, and community partners work together to ensure that students feel safe and supported, and learn about upcoming initiatives and resources available to families across the district. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or community member, this conversation offers valuable insights into creating a nurturing school environment.

Ensuring School Safety: How RCPS is Protecting Our Schools

What is RCPS doing to help prioritize safety? In today’s episode, host Katie LaPira sits down with Caleb Bailey, the newly appointed Director of School Safety and Security for Rockingham County Public Schools. Caleb shares insights from his extensive background in emergency response and discusses the comprehensive steps he's taking to elevate safety within the school system, including the introduction of cutting-edge technology, partnerships with local law enforcement, and an emphasis on ongoing training.
 
Caleb shares a comprehensive approach to emergency management that focuses on prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. He highlights the use of modern technology for real-time communication during potential threats and emphasizes the importance of clear, transparent crisis management with both parents and the broader community. Caleb’s forward-thinking strategies aim to create a safer and more secure environment for students and staff alike.
 
Whether you're a parent, educator, or community member, this conversation provides valuable insights into how RCPS is creating a secure and supportive environment for all.

Building a Stronger Community: Ways to Get Involved with United Way

What happens when working hard still isn’t enough to make ends meet? United Way is here to help our community. In today's episode, your host Katie LaPira explores the vital work of the United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, an organization dedicated to empowering all community members, including those who often find themselves barely making ends meet.
 
Katie talks with Jo Benjamin, Director of Community Impact, and Jim Sacco, Director of Development, about the innovative programs and initiatives they lead, which are designed to help our community’s most vulnerable members. Join us as we explore how United Way’s efforts, from their Rockburg CARES Network to the impactful Tools for Schools initiative, are making a tangible difference for families in our area.
 
Listen in to hear how community collaboration, volunteerism, and strategic support can help working households not just survive but thrive. Whether you're looking to get involved or seeking assistance, you won't want to miss this important conversation.
 
Important Links:
Learn more about the United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham: https://uwhr.org/ 
Do you qualify as ALICE? Fill out the status tool to find out: https://uwhr.org/amialice 
Want to get involved? Learn more: https://uwhr.org/get-involved 
Learn more about Rockingham County Public Schools at rcps.net. https://www.rcps.net/ 

Back to School Essentials: RCPS Updates for the New School Year

Are you curious about what is new in RCPS this school year? In episode 16 of RCPS Community Partner Cafe, host Katie LaPira answers community questions and shares important updates for the upcoming school year. From back-to-school nights to enrollment procedures, Katie provides all the essential information families need to get ready for the new academic year. Katie also highlights the vital role of community partnerships in supporting our schools, particularly the United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County's "Tools for Schools" event. 
Listen in to learn about important back-to-school dates, how to access supply lists, and important enrollment details to make sure that you are ready for the 2024-2025 school year. Hear how you can stay connected with the new RCPS app, register for the Tools for Schools event, and make the most of the new school year's opportunities. Check out the links below for more about all of the important resources mentioned in this episode.
Important RCPS Links: 
 
Health forms and calendars: https://rockinghamcountypsva.sites.thrillshare.com/page/families-students 
 
Sign up here for RCPS text notifications: https://www.rcps.net/o/rcps/page/notification-sign-up
 
Enrollment page: https://rockinghamcountypsva.sites.thrillshare.com/o/rcps/page/student-enrollment
 
RCPS Rooms App: https://rockinghamcountypsva.sites.thrillshare.com/o/rcps/page/rooms-support
 
Learn More and Pre-Register for Tools for Schools: https://uwhr.org/toolsforschool

Beyond the Classroom: Summer Reading Benefits for All Ages

Are you wondering how to keep your child's brain active and engaged during the summer break? Listen in to hear the benefits of reading in the summer as host Katie LaPira sits down with Kim Tate, the Language Arts and Library Supervisor for Rockingham County Public Schools, to discuss how powerful reading can be. Kim provides practical advice on making summer reading an enjoyable and integral part of family life. Kim and Katie discuss the importance of allowing children to choose their own books, exploring different formats such as audiobooks, and setting aside family reading time.
 
Tune in to discover various community resources and opportunities, from the Massanutten Regional Library's summer reading program to fun incentives offered by local businesses, all designed to keep young readers engaged and excited about reading. Whether your child is just beginning to read or is a seasoned bookworm, this episode is packed with tips and ideas to inspire a summer full of literary adventures.
 
For more information, check out rcps.net! 

Preparing Students for Tomorrow: Science, STEM, and Soft Skills

Are you curious about STEM and science activities in our schools? Today, host Katie LaPira chats with Tammy Stone, the Science, STEM, and Challenge Supervisor for Rockingham County Public Schools. Tammy shares exciting insights into the hands-on learning experiences of RCPS students.
 
From dissecting owl pellets to exploring watershed ecosystems, students of all ages experience captivating activities that bring science to life. Listen in to hear how STEM education isn't confined to the classroom, but extends into engaging programs where students explore the science of cooking, force in motion experiments, and even solar challenges.
 
With a commitment to fostering the next generation of teachers through initiatives in STEM and science, Rockingham County Public Schools ensures students are not only prepared academically but also equipped with essential soft skills for future success.
 
For more from RCPS, check out rcps.net.

Empowering Expression: The Role of Fine Arts in Student Growth

How do the fine arts integrate into the social and brain development of our students? What initiatives does RCPS have that strengthen opportunities for our students? Listen in as host Katie LaPira talks with guest Becky Ford, Supervisor of the Fine Arts for RCPS.
 
Becky shares with Katie about the integral ways that RCPS incorporates the fine arts into student education, and she talks about what kinds of opportunities RCPS students have at each level. Becky and Katie talk about initiatives available to RCPS students such as Any Given Child, and they discuss ways parents and community partners can support the arts and their student.
 
For more about Any Given Child, check out the Kennedy Center website: https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/networks-conferences-and-research/networks-and-strategic-leadership/any-given-child/ For more from RCPS, check out rcps.net.

Unlocking Math Success: Tips to Support Students

Are you wondering about how to help your child with math? Today’s guest Amanda Rickard, Supervisor of Math with Rockingham County Public Schools, joins host Katie LaPira to talk about the new math standards and actionable steps family members can take to support our students in math. 
 
Amanda talks about how math instruction has evolved over time and the benefit of the current approach. Listen in to hear practical tips about ways that you can help the RCPS students in your life to succeed in math. Amanda shares steps students of all levels can take to be successful.

Safety First: The RCPS Approach to Weather-Related Decisions

What happens when weather events cause potential school disruptions? In today’s episode of RCPS Community Partner Cafe, Director of Transportation Chris Sours talks with host Katie LaPira to share what goes into making weather-related decisions for RCPS. Chris gives listeners a glimpse behind the scenes into what happens when weather events impact Rockingham County. 
 
Listen in to hear what makes RCPS unique and how decisions about delays and closures are made when weather impacts travel. As Chris shares, the safety of RCPS students and employees is the focus of every decision made. Learn about the process RCPS uses when determining whether a delay or closure is needed because of weather-related events. 

Taking Successful Next Steps: Insights from RCPS Seniors

How does RCPS help students prepare for their next steps after high school? In this special episode, student host Leo Johnson talks with two RCPS seniors about their plans after high school. Leo, Clayton, and James reflect on their time in RCPS, share what helped them along their current paths, and provide tips for students and parents looking to get more involved.
 
Leo talks with seniors James and Clayton about what each of them plans to do after high school, and they share how they reached those decisions about their career paths. The RCPS seniors also have fun envisioning changes that could enhance the student experience. Don’t miss this outstanding episode featuring three RCPS seniors, and listen in to hear the highlights of their experiences.